Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University (ADU): A Global Hub of Excellence

Established in 2003, Abu Dhabi University caters to around 8,000 students across its campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai and corporate programs. ADU stands as a beacon of academic prowess, excelling across various disciplines. Despite its relatively young age, ADU has swiftly become a world-class institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, student experience, research, and corporate education. Recognized as a leader in higher education, ADU consistently earns a place among the best institutions in the region.

ADU proudly holds the 1st position in the UAE for the teaching pillar, ranking among the top three universities in the country, with a global ranking of 300 (2024 THE Rankings). Additionally, ADU ranks 9th in the Arab Region (THE Arab University Rankings 2023). This acknowledgment reflects our unwavering commitment to providing a transformative educational experience.

Distinguished by prestigious international accreditations encompassing the entire institution, specific fields of provision, and individual programs, ADU’s commitment to meeting and exceeding global standards is a testament to its dedication to academic excellence.

Quality Education

ADU's commitment to quality education is evident in its recognition as the 1st position in the UAE for the teaching pillar, as per the 2024 THE Rankings. The institution ensures a world-class education, with ADU degrees being recognized globally.

ADU's College of Business has secured its position as the best business school in the UAE and the Arab Region, earning a global rank of 101-125 for Business and Economics Subjects in the 2024 THE World University Rankings by Subject. This recognition places ADU among the top 1% of business schools worldwide, boasting dual accreditation from AACSB and EQUIS.

Simultaneously, the College of Engineering at ADU has achieved eminence as the largest engineering program in the UAE, boasting state-of-the-art labs that have propelled it to the forefront of innovation. The College offers a dynamic program portfolio with ABET Accredited Programs, ensuring the highest standards of education and preparing students for impactful contributions to the engineering landscape. The College of Engineering stands as the exclusive host of the only RIBA validated Architecture Program in Abu Dhabi, further solidifying its status as a leader in architectural education and practice.

Quality Research

ADU's commitment to excellence extends beyond education to pioneering research that shapes the future. Our world-class faculty members are at the forefront of building the next generation of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

The impact of ADU's research is profound, spanning various disciplines and designed to make a significant difference in society and the economy. A testament to our dedication is evident in the creation of 25 new patents, covering diverse fields such as sustainable energy, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical diagnostics, advancements in quantum computing, and the application of nanotechnology to enhance water filtration methods.

In the realm of research, ADU consistently excels. The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings underline Abu Dhabi University's strengths, with more than 90% of all faculty publications being co-authored with esteemed international research partners. Garnering a global rank of 264 and securing the 2nd position in the UAE for research citations according to THE Rankings, ADU stands out as a beacon of quality research.

Most Employable Graduates

In the 2023-24 Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has once again been recognized as the best in the UAE for graduate employability. It positions ADU at the top in the UAE, 2nd in the GCC, 3rd in the Arab region and 173th globally.

Diverse Community

With students from over 100 nationalities, ADU is ranked 14th globally according to the Times Higher Education Rankings for Highest Proportion of International Students. ADU ranks 2nd place in both the UAE and the MENA region and among the top 200 universities worldwide. 

Comprehensive Offerings:

Structured into Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law, and Health Sciences, we offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning arts, law, education, business and management, engineering, and sciences. Our programs extend to training UAE military personnel, contributing to the nation's skill development.

Discover over 50 internationally accredited postgraduate and undergraduate programs, attracting a multinational student body representing around 100 nationalities. This cultural diversity enriches the academic experience, fostering a global perspective and preparing students for the challenges of a connected world.

ADU’s world-class faculty are building the next generation of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Our research contributes greatly to our disciplines and is designed to impact on society and the economy and is reflected in 25 new patents in fields such as sustainable energy, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical diagnostics, quantum computing, and the application of nanotechnology to water filtration.

We house the Sustainable Development Venture Lab as a resource for students, researchers, external entrepreneurs, and global innovators. We develop research skills among our undergraduates through our curricula and mentorship and by hosting the region’s largest undergraduate research competition, now attracting around 800 undergraduate researchers from across the MENA region.

In alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ADU's commitment to sustainability is evident in its faculty's publication of over 1,000 research papers on sustainability in the last three years. These contributions, supported by 29 research grants, showcase ADU's dedication to addressing global challenges. Faculty within the College of Engineering are recognized globally, listed in the world's top 2% of cited researchers for 2023, according to Stanford University.

ADU's researchers have published in top-tier scientific journals, with 75.8% of research publications in the last three years falling within Quartile 1 (Q1) or Quartile 2 (Q2). With around 3,000 high-impact scientific research papers, ADU maintains a strong presence on the global stage, ranking 264 globally and 2nd in the UAE for research citations, as per THE Rankings.

Innovative Agricultural Solutions: The AirFarm Project

As part of Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) Innovate Strategy (ADUi), dedicated to accelerating sustainable and innovative agricultural solutions, ADU has proudly introduced its first on-campus AirFarm. This inflatable and portable farm is a collaborative effort with Midbar, a smart ag-tech company from South Korea, and H.E. Rashed Bin Khalfan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri Holding company (RBK).